Natural Assets KAN Definition Workshop

The Future Earth Secretariat, Future Earth Switzerland, and the Swiss-based Global Research Projects (BioDiscovery, GMBA, GLP and PAGES) are organising a workshop on the definition of the concept of Natural Assets to be held in Bern, Switzerland, from 12-13 September 2017.

Logistics

Please note that attendendance at this workshop is by invitation only.

Description

Through internal consultation (you can find the draft synthesis document here), it was recognized that the notion of Natural Assets has different meanings for different people and communities. The question is therefore to ask how to account for these differences in defining the objectives and priorities for the Natural Assets KAN and what terminology to adopt to guarantee thematic coherence, inclusive values, efficient communication and collaboration within the network and the broader communities, in view of project prioritization. The aim of this event is to allow for a more efficient communication and collaboration within the Natural Assets Knowledge-Action Network and the broader communities.

The workshop will convene about 15 experts in the field of Natural Assets to define the concept and discuss the way forward. This workshop is the first scoping workshop of the Natural Assets Knowledge-Action Network, launched by Future Earth in 2016. Participants will come from academia as well as regional and international organisations and networks.

Background

The Natural Assets KAN is a collaborative initiative building on contributions from the Future Earth internal community (Global Research Projects, Fast-Track Initiatives, Clusters, Science and Engagement Committees, Regional Centres and Offices). It aims to achieve a scientifically-based, sustainable and fair stewardship of terrestrial, freshwater and marine natural assets underpinning human well-being by understanding relationships between biodiversity, ecosystems and their benefits to societies, as well as developing effective management and governance approaches.